Elizabeth Shepherd Trio
Start to Move
(Do Right Music)
Behold an artist for whom jazz need neither broaden its domain nor sit in a museum. Toronto-based Shepherd was raised by Salvation Army ministers: There are no band hymns here, but she gives a shout-out at the end. Her debut album presents a composer, pianist and singer fully realized. The lyrics for a Clifford Brown piece, “George’s Dilemma,” sound as if they always belonged. Elements of two Herbie Hancock tunes become “Melon,” where drummer Colin Kingsmore and bassist Scott Kemp get room to shine and her voice evokes, in equal parts, a poignant wind instrument and a young Annie Ross: timeless and refreshing.
Doug Taylor